Mason 43

[Wckoek]

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1...on-43-3217896/
Seemed like a lot of boat for $40k.
But the companion way seemed tall and steep.
The layout wasn't very good as well, like the head is too far from the cockpit and quite squirrelly for the size.


What are your thoughts and experience, how does it sail?

[Macdyver]

My dad has one, and while I've only done one daysail one it; I helped him do a lot of refit work over the last decade. I can say that they are very well-built boats, and definitely a boat I'd trust for some long passages.


The one downside in my mind is that the layout of the cockpit and the companionway makes setting up a good bimini a little tricky.

[Wckoek]

Originally Posted by Macdyver

My dad has one, and while I've only done one daysail one it; I helped him do a lot of refit work over the last decade. I can say that they are very well-built boats, and definitely a boat I'd trust for some long passages.


The one downside in my mind is that the layout of the cockpit and the companionway makes setting up a good bimini a little tricky.

It is quite heavy and full keel and all, would it be too much a boat for shorthanded cruising?

[Macdyver]

Originally Posted by Wckoek

It is quite heavy and full keel and all, would it be too much a boat for shorthanded cruising?

I suppose that depends a bit on your personal comfort level, but it certainly seems manageable to me. I met a fellow at anchor in West Palm who had been (primarily) single-handing his for several years, and he had lots of good things to say about the boat. He wasn't the sort who tended to sit at the dock either; he had put quite a few miles on the boat, and most of those under sail.

[Deep Blue Water]

They replaced the standing rigging 7 years ago, that's a plus. There's no hours listed on the engine, that might require replacing, and there's no mention of a gen set.


Cool boat.

[Wckoek]

Originally Posted by Deep Blue Water

They replaced the standing rigging 7 years ago, that's a plus. There's no hours listed on the engine, that might require replacing, and there's no mention of a gen set.


Cool boat.

It has a Perkins 4108, I imagine it must be as old as the boat.


There is another Perry 41 in much better condition asking for 29k more.
https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/198...ry-41-3254665/
I think I like the Perry more and it have more things included in sale, but it is 29k more (maybe negotiable) but I need to do a bit of travel, and the borders isn't open.

[Lowcountry]

I had a Mason 44, which is the same hull with a redesigned cockpit, companionway and interior. Build quality was very good and she was quite comfortable. Sailed well, but she has a 15' boom and a very large mainsail. They are initially tender, so you need to reef at 15kts. They are difficult to get on/off the dock, as the turning radius is large and they do not respond to the rudder very well while reversing. I loved the boat. She was beautiful and got positive comments everywhere I took her. In the end, she was too large for me so I sold her and got a Hans Christian 33 instead.

[Wckoek]

Originally Posted by Lowcountry

I had a Mason 44, which is the same hull with a redesigned cockpit, companionway and interior. Build quality was very good and she was quite comfortable. Sailed well, but she has a 15' boom and a very large mainsail. They are initially tender, so you need to reef at 15kts. They are difficult to get on/off the dock, as the turning radius is large and they do not respond to the rudder very well while reversing. I loved the boat. She was beautiful and got positive comments everywhere I took her. In the end, she was too large for me so I sold her and got a Hans Christian 33 instead.

Thank you for your reply on youtube.
(If you are Charles H. there right?)
Yeah, I think it would be a wonderful family boat, so it might be too large for me even it was a great deal.

[Allied39]

I had a customer that had a Mason, pretty sure it was a 36. She was absolutely bristol when he first got her, he then proceeded to change that,

One of the things he did was leave her un attended on land for two years so the bilge could fill with water over the cabin sole. When the vessel went back in the water and shorepower connected the bilge pumped and then the contents of the fuel tank emptied into the bilge (formerly held in by the bilge water over the tank)and then that got pumped out.

Interesting scene the next morning,

Anyhow, back on point. The fuel tank was built in. Very built in. I have dealt with several boats over the years with this idiotic design and most can be replaced in a manner that does not leave scars. Not cheap of course.

It was simply not possible with this one. No where could I open up the cabin sole , replace the tank and re instal the cabin sole without it being obvious. And I am very good at this.

Anyhow, that might be something to think on. I believe that any vessel (serious vessel that is) built with a tank that cannot be removed/replaced is severely flawed and if built with that thought process then there must be other flaws just waiting to show themselves at the worst possible moment.

This post is for the OP, not interested in argueing or dealing with the trolls.

[Lowcountry]

Originally Posted by Wckoek

Thank you for your reply on youtube.
(If you are Charles H. there right?)
Yeah, I think it would be a wonderful family boat, so it might be too large for me even it was a great deal.

Ha, yes. I didn't realize that you were who I was responding to here. Good luck in your search!

[Ericson38]

Originally Posted by Wckoek

https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/boats/1...on-43-3217896/
Seemed like a lot of boat for $40k.
But the companion way seemed tall and steep.
The layout wasn't very good as well, like the head is too far from the cockpit and quite squirrelly for the size.


What are your thoughts and experience, how does it sail?

This guy has a good blog about his Mason 44-

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrg...szE1JSzYCmj9Yg

[Northernguy59]

That boat has been for sale a LONG time. Tom Cunliffe has a a 44’ that he likes a lot. You can go to his YouTube channel and look at his videos. I also Bob Perry comments on these boats and he’s not a fan, FWiW. (Edit: I just noticed Toms channel is posted in above post)

[Wckoek]

Originally Posted by Northernguy59

That boat has been for sale a LONG time. Tom Cunliffe has a a 44’ that he likes a lot. You can go to his YouTube channel and look at his videos. I also Bob Perry comments on these boats and he’s not a fan, FWiW. (Edit: I just noticed Toms channel is posted in above post)

Tom Cunliffe is a big heavy Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter kind of guy, his taste as well as view on boats are different from Perry's.